Fremont County Commissioners rewrite county fire restrictions

Commissioners hear first reading of ordinance on open fires, open burning

By RACHEL ALEXANDER alexanderr@ canoncitydailyrecord.com

Posted:
06/12/2012 10:20:16 PM MDT

The Fremont County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday regarding a new ordinance covering restrictions on open fires and open burning in the unincorporated area of Fremont County.

The ordinance is a rewrite of the fire restriction ordinance already in place in the county. It adjusts the stage 1, 2 and 3 restrictions to be more in line with other local agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management.

"A lot of people had a lot of input to this rewrite," Sheriff Jim Beicker said.

The new restrictions also reflect new legislation covering agricultural burning. Beicker said he cannot restrict agricultural burning on private property.

"Ban, no ban, restrictions, no restriction people are still responsible," Beicker said. "A ban gives us a lot more teeth."

Beicker said the largest differences between the old and new restrictions include allowing propane cooking under stage 2 restrictions. He said the stage 3 restrictions are significantly different and now mostly address evacuation and closure procedures.

"The effort is to prevent some of the tragedies we see going on around the state," he said.

The board also heard from Lance Tyler, of Penrose, who had concerns about slash pile burning permits and Robert Lancaster, who had concerns that stage 2 restrictions could cover interior wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.

"Over what we had before, this new ordinance is much improved," Lancaster said.

The ordinance was scheduled for second reading June 26.

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The commissioners also had a public hearing on an amendment to the Building Code of Fremont County to add provisions for evidence of water and sanitation.

Mike Cox, of the county building department, said the department always has required plumbing to be attached to an approved water and sanitation supply. The amendment adds languages to verify what the department has always enforced as policy, he said.

"We're not considering anything that will never allow you to have a cistern," said Commissioner Debbie Bell about criticism that the new regulations would require property owners to drill a well. "We're asking for proof that an attempt has been made to drill a well."

"Overall, I think this is a step in the right direction," said Commissioner Mike Stiehl.

The board also:

-- Approved an expenditure of $40,997 to purchase computer equipment for conversation to Tyler Technologies, Inc.

-- Approved a Fremont County Proclamation that June 15 will be Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the county.

-- Approved a new liquor license for Coyote's Coffee Den in Penrose.

-- Approved a special review use permit for Eden West Ranch, after a public hearing.